REUBEN Lynch, the first black UK toastmaster was born in Montserrat before his father came to Britain in 1959 as a dustman, followed by the rest of his family.

He had 23 years Army service including overseas, before returning to the sergeants mess, being trained by an experienced butler and eventually moving to the officer’s mess.

Leaving the Army, he became banqueting manager at Chesterton Grange where the president of the Toastmasters Association suggested he became a toastmaster, starting as his apprentice. He now officiates at all denomination weddings, galas and Government events, product launches and dinner dances, plus training future toastmasters.

He feels privileged to have had such a varied and interesting life.

Adrian James is well known for his photography of large gardens but now explores smaller Cornish gardens. He showed pictures and named all the flowers. The first garden near Liskeard was designed to include borrowed landscape so there were surprises around every corner.

Northwood Water Garden was on the site of china clay mine so again the landscape shaped the garden. Bonython Estate Gardens, Helston was photographed in May and September to show all year round interest. We also saw Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens with views of St Michael’s Mount. The Minack Outdoor Theatre is also a garden, planted by a lady – no easy task. Adrian has used ideas from his travels to plan his own garden, which has open days.

Our annual dinner at the Neville Arms was a great success, due to Pat Jones’ arrangements